British pros just too much for Ventura County Fusion

West Bromwich Albion Baggies 'challenged' but still win match

The Fusion's Matt Wiet, left, gets the ball kicked away by West Bromwich's Marek Cech during a game Sunday at Oxnard College.

Fifty-four hundred miles, 127 years of tradition or more than $50 million in annual revenue. Whatever the measure, West Bromwich Albion and the Ventura County Fusion are separated by some distance.

But for five sweet minutes Sunday afternoon at Oxnard College, Ventura County's five-year-old Premier Development League side held a lead against a founding member of the English league.

Danny Barrera had a goal and an assist as the Fusion built a 2-1 lead four minutes into the second half, before the Baggies, which finished 11th in the English Premier League last May, netted three times in a 12-minute span to clinch a 4-2 win.

"They're obviously a whole other class," said Barrera, the Westlake High product and UC Santa Barbara attacker. "But we went out there and played. Maybe they were worried for a sec."

After falling behind on Graeme Dorrans' free kick in the third minute, the Fusion squared the score line as Barrera set up winger Callum Riley, whose 18-yard drive powered through goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

"It was a good ball from Danny," Riley said. "I had a bit of time so I figured I'd have a shot and see where it goes."

Riley, an Englishman who grew up near West Bromwich in Leicester, couldn't wait to get to Facebook and his mobile phone to spread the news to family and friends, especially those who are West Brom supporters.

The Fusion weren't done. Four minutes after halftime, Barrera won a free kick and drove the set piece into the upper-right corner of the West Brom net.

"We had one in the first half that he decided to chip in," said Fusion coach Ole Mikkelsen. "At halftime, I told him 'If you get another free kick, please, take a shot and hit it on frame.' Make it count."

Barrera did exactly that, opening the eyes of visiting coaches, players and supporters.

"The No. 29 (Gyasi Zardes) I thought was very good and, of course, the little No. 10 (Barrera) who scored the goal did exceptionally well," said West Brom manager Roy Hodgson.

"That was a great free kick," said West Brom midfielder and captain Chris Brunt. "I was pretty impressed with the Fusion side. They have some tidy players. I'm not sure what their season has been going like, but they're a decent side."

As the two teams stood even 1-1 at the half, Oak Park resident Karl Haggard, a West Brom fan who was born in nearby Rowley, was impressed with the Fusion's performance.

"I know it's the end of their season," said Haggard, "but they kept the ball so well and worked really well together."

Barrera's free kick only brought the quality out of the millionaire visitors.

"I thought, 'Here they come,' " said Mikkelsen. You knew they were going to create chances and take their chances."

Three minutes later, Fusion fullback Armando Guerrero handled in the penalty area and Brunt converted a penalty kick to restore West Brom into the lead, 3-2.

"When you make mistakes against teams of this caliber, ooh they punish you," said Mikkelsen.

Substitute Roman Bednar added a fourth for the Baggies in the 66th minute.

"Professionals at that level are scoring machines," Barrera said.

"You saw the finishes that they had. They were class."

But several Fusion players also shone against top-class opposition. After looking intimidated in the early throes, the Fusion were dangerous in the first half as fullback James Kiffe created several chances by going past opponents.

"We all play soccer," said Kiffe. "You can't come out afraid to do what you love to do.

Of course, Barrera created two goals. Zardes was active up top and on the wing. UCLA defender Matt Wiet shone at the back and as a defensive midfielder.

"We had a couple, four guys that I thought really stood out," said Mikkelsen. "If I was coaching a pro team, I'd say, 'Hey, those guys are looking pretty good.' "

West Brom, which will train in Oxnard on Tuesday before traveling to play the Portland Timbers, had no complains.

"In the first half, they more than matched us," said Brunt. "They were probably the better side. They deserved their equalizer. They scored two good goals. I think, in the second half, we made a few changes.

"Our shape was a little bit better as a team. We kept the ball better and we obviously took our chances in the second half."

The Fusion played all 20 players ahead of its PDL finale Saturday at Ventura College and still found a way to help the visiting Baggies prepare for the start of the English season next month.